'When you hear hoofbeats, think of horses not zebras' - the old adage is well-known to GPs but what should you do when faced with a zebra, not a horse? Consultant cardiologist Professor Robert Tulloh and GP Dr Louise Tulloh kick off our new series with their advice on how to catch Kawasaki disease in general practice.

PCT wouldn't fund course

All GPs should be given the chance to undertake special training in their field of interest. I have always had an interset in urology and have waited for quite a long time for a university close to Kent to start a course in this field.

When the University of Middlesex's institute of urology started a diploma in urology 18 months ago I was very excited.

My local consultant urologist was overwhelmed as he was looking for a GP who had an interest in this field.

In Feburary 2003 I asked my PCT for support but was turned down. I decided to fund it myself – at a cost of more than £7,500.

There are, however, some PCTs that have funded their GPs for this course. I feel let down by my PCT.